[08/03/12 - 12:00 PM]Annie Parisse Joins Cast of "The Following"She'll play FBI Specialist Debra Parker in the drama, due at midseason.

[via press release from FOX]

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ANNIE PARISSE JOINS CAST OF "THE FOLLOWING"

New Drama Premieres Midseason on FOX

Annie Parisse ("Law & Order," "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days") has joined the cast of THE FOLLOWING as a series regular in the highly anticipated new thriller from creator/executive producer Kevin Williamson ("The Vampire Diaries," "Dawson's Creek," the "Scream" franchise), premiering midseason on FOX.

The chilling new series focuses on former FBI agent RYAN HARDY (Emmy Award-nominated actor Kevin Bacon, "X-Men: First Class," "Frost/Nixon"), who is brought in as a consultant when notorious serial killer JOE CARROLL (James Purefoy, "Rome") escapes from death row and embarks on a new killing spree. Hardy discovers that, while in prison, Carroll was covertly communicating with a network of killers in the outside world and it quickly becomes obvious that he has more planned than just his escape.

Hardy works closely with an FBI team, including FBI Specialist DEBRA PARKER (Parisse), who is brought in to lead the investigation of Carroll and his followers.

Parisse is best known for her starring role on "Law & Order." She also starred on Broadway in "Prelude to a Kiss." Her feature film credits include "Definitely, Maybe," "Prime," "Blackbird," "Monster-in-Law," "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" and "One for the Money," opposite Katherine Heigl. Her other television credits include a recurring role on "Rubicon," as well as appearances on "Person of Interest" and the miniseries, "The Pacific."

THE FOLLOWING is from Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Outerbanks Entertainment and Warner Bros. Television. The series is created, written and executive-produced by Kevin Williamson. Marcos Siega ("Dexter," "The Vampire Diaries") also serves as an executive producer and directed the pilot. "Like" THE FOLLOWING on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/TheFollowing. Follow the series on Twitter @TheFollowingFOX and join the discussion at #thefollowing.